Asked by: Bob Seely (Conservative - Isle of Wight)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate he has made of the average (a) amount and (b) proportion of the original cost estimate of overspend on major infrastructure projects.
Answered by Chris Heaton-Harris - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Department does not calculate the information requested.
Information about the Department’s projects is published annually in the Department’s Annual Report, available here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/824019/2018-2019-dft-annual-report-web.pdf.
Information can also be found in the Annual Report and Accounts of individual delivery bodies.
In addition to the Department’s own processes, financial and other relevant information about the performance of our largest projects, is published annually by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA). The latest (2019) Annual Report can be found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/817654/IPA_AR_MajorProjects2018-19_web.pdf
Asked by: Bob Seely (Conservative - Isle of Wight)
Question to the Department for Transport:
What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the adequacy of planning requirements for new housing developments in relation to (a) motorists, (b) cyclists and (c) pedestrians.
Answered by George Freeman
The Department works closely with MHCLG on planning policy related to transport for new housing, but we need to go further to ensure better integration at all scales.
The National Planning Policy Framework ensures sustainable transport issues are included at the beginning of housing planning and decision making and a projected £2.4bn will be invested over this parliament to support local authorities to develop ambitious Local Cycling and Walking Plans.
Asked by: Bob Seely (Conservative - Isle of Wight)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on the future of South Western Railway; and what plans he has for the future funding of the Island Line railway.
Answered by Chris Heaton-Harris - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
As part of responsible contingency planning, we have measures in place on every franchise to protect the interests of passengers and taxpayers, and to ensure that services keep running and the taxpayer is reimbursed if a franchise is unable to deliver the services required. The Island Line will continue to operate under the South Western Railway franchise. On 16 September 2019 I announced significant investment on the Island Line confirming our determination to provide passengers across the country with the modern rail network they expect.
Asked by: Bob Seely (Conservative - Isle of Wight)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average speed was of South Western Railway trains operating between (a) London and Portsmouth and (b) Southampton and Woking in the last 12 months.
Answered by Chris Heaton-Harris - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Department does not hold this information. However, my Hon. Friend may wish to contact South Western Railway and Network Rail, who may be able to provide him with the data he requires.